An optimised protocol to prepare Phaeocystis globosa morphotypes for scanning electron microscopy observation

A preparation protocol for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was adapted and tested to the observation of Phaeocystis globosa morphotypes. For extra colonial cells, critical point drying (CPD) gave satisfactory results while for intra colonial cells, preservation with Lugol's iodine and/or glutaraldehyde followed by air-drying appeared as the most suitable method.